"LA finally has an auto show worth coming to." That's high praise from a veteran who covers the auto industry in Detroit. But it's still a "2 ring circus," as opposed to the "10 ring circus" that will open next year in the Motor City itself. We find out what LA does have that Detroit does not. Plus, South Gate is vindicated after its former treasurer was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for plundering the working-class city.

FROM THIS EPISODE

"LA finally has an auto show worth coming to." That's high praise from a veteran who covers the auto industry in Detroit. But it's still a "2 ring circus," as opposed to the "10 ring circus" that will open next year in the Motor City itself. We find out what LA does have that Detroit does not. Plus, South Gate is vindicated after its former treasurer was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for plundering the working-class city.

South Gate is a working-class city in Southern Los Angeles County whose last elected treasure served for ten years, until his 2003 recall by 84% of the voters. This week Albert Robles was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for plundering South Gate of some $20 million. He was even accused of trying to kill political opponents. We hear more about how the city went from the verge of bankruptcy to having a healthy reserve.

LA's first auto show consisted of 99 cars inside a skating rink--100 years ago. The show that opens tomorrow will have numerous cars from each of 47 different manufacturers, ranging from subcompacts to full-size luxury sedans, pickups, SUV's, crossovers and sports cars. Despite its history, the Los Angeles Auto Show has an inferiority complex. It was purposely scheduled this month to avoid conflict with its younger, much bigger brother, the Detroit Auto Show. Governor Schwarzenegger, who wants California to take the lead against global warming and auto pollution, challenged auto makers to deliver more efficient clean-air vehicles. Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court took up Massacusetts v EPA, over whether the US Environmental Protection Agency be sued for refusing to regulate carbon emissions, since the Clean Air Act mandates that all pollution sources be regulated.